Ricoh GXR Camera Lens P10 28-300mm – Reviewed

As you may remember, some months ago we reviewed the new modular Ricoh GXR semi professional camera with quite good results.

We now have one of Ricoh’s latest released “add on” lenses, the P10, on our desk to assess its performance.

Assessment This is number three of the available interchangeable lens-sensor modular units put out by Ricoh for its GXR camera. The P10 features a high-magnification 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom and high-speed continuous shooting of RAW still images at approximately 5 frames/second. Note that continuous shooting speed will vary depending on shooting conditions, card type, card condition, etc. (4 M-Continuous Plus (Low) image size is fixed at 10M 4:3N and 5 M-Continuous Plus (Hi) image size is fixed at 2M 4:3N.)

The consecutively shot images are recorded as single MP files (a file format with multiple still images in a single file). The P10 also has an advanced noise reduction function, with a back illuminated CMOS sensor to give superior imaging in low light photography. The image processing engine (Smooth Imaging Engine IV) is coupled to the high-speed image processing capabilities of the CMOS sensor and combines to enhance image quality and expand dynamic range. The 10.7 x optical zoom expands image possibilities from a wide-angle through to telephoto. Included features such as 1280 x 720 pixel HD movie taking, dynamic range double shot mode and macro at a distance of 1cm, all add to the versatile nature of this lens.

We found that the camera lens performed a little above the average with regards to white balance, focus and colour reproduction and was marginally ahead of its rivals with regards to effective noise reduction. It was worth noting, however, that some of the fine detail in photographs taken in low light situations did appear to suffer. The P10’s 28 mm wide-angle to 300 mm telephoto lens option provides a versatile high-magnification zoom lens that can handle a wide range of shooting situations. There is also a zoom function for changing to high-speed by continued pressing of the zoom lever. This is a lens that can handle both wide-angle shooting of expansive landscapes and interior scenes with limited distances between the camera and the subject.

Ricoh’s GXR idea of providing a modular concept to match lens suitability to the subject’s situation in order to optimise photographs is still unique and is yet to be successfully duplicated by any rivals.

The picture quality modes which can be set vary depending on the image size.

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A JPEG file is also recorded (the JPEG file may be a FINE- or NORMAL-quality file with the same dimensions as the RAW file or a VGA file 640 × 480 pixels in size). RAW files use the standard DNG format promoted by Adobe Systems Incorporated.

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For reference only; actual number of shots varies greatly according to how camera is used. We recommend that you carry spare batteries when in use for extended periods. (Shooting capacity was measured using CIPA-standard parameters. These are only estimates; performance may vary depending on usage conditions.)

Conclusion We continue to be impressed by the Ricoh add ons and particularly like the fact that the menus and operational principles remain the same as you simply add on more specific sophisticated purpose lenses. This, of course negates the need to having to relearn camera operation as you would have to do if you upgraded your camera in any other brand.

We think that at an approximate cost of $499 Aud for the lens it represents good buying to gain another enhancement to optimise your photography skills and camera versatility.